Happy Town Eternal Memorabilia

Chapters

Goodbye Grey Skies
Hooked on a Feeling
Welcome to the New Age
How to Save a Life

Goodbye Grey Skies

A chilly autumn night. The falling leaves making for a sight that, while once mildly entertaining, had grown dull.

It was five hours, and three trains ago, that Twilight Sparkle awoke to the sensation that always preceded an adventure of some sort. With Spike by her side, Twilight rushed to the train station and began her trip.

This time, they were called away from their beloved kingdom to travel to a region tucked away from the frozen tundra that was the Crystal Empire.

“Ugh…” Spike hung off the side of his seat, staring blankly at the wall across from him. “Twilight, just how far is this place?” he asked. “We left in the middle of the night and the sun should be up any minute now.”

“We’ll be there shortly,” Twilight said.

“You said that—”

The train came to a halt and the horn blared, causing Spike to jump up and look around.

“You were saying?” Twilight said, a smirk plastered on her face.

Spike folded his arms and huffed. “I can't help that I'm bored.” He got off his seat and grabbed some of the luggage that he'd packed. “Need me to carry anything for you?”

Twilight nodded. “As preparation for coming up north, I've packed all the necessities one would need to deal with the harsh environment!” She levitated a bag out and gave it to Spike. “Best of all: I have everything we’ll need if it suddenly starts snowing and we get stuck out here!” A second bag was placed atop the first.

“Oh, goody.” Spike slung the bag around his arm and got off the train. A light breeze kicked up a few leaves as they stepped onto a platform. Through a small door, they walked into a small station and out to a quaint village. “Where to?”

“The map said that the issue was to the west.” Twilight looked towards a dirt path that lead into a forest. “It should be somewhere out there.”

Spike nodded and the two began their trek into the forest. Silence loomed over there, save for the occasional chirp of birds and the crunching of leaves. After a few minutes, Spike spoke up. “So, who do you think needs our help today?”

“Well, I was thinking about that on our way here,” Twilight said. “I narrowed down the possibilities to a group of campers or some survivalists.” She stopped and thought for a moment. “Though, I guess that survivalists likely wouldn't have a problem since their lives wouldn't depend on each other to make sure they weren't harmed, so I guess campers.”

Spike stopped and looked around. In spite of all of their walking, the area hadn't changed. Trees stretched for as far as he could see. The ground off the dirt path was nothing but a sea of leaves and branches. “Doesn't really look like there's anyone here.” He ran back up to Twilight's side. “You sure we’re in the right pl—”

“Halt!”

The ground around Twilight and Spike shook as several pegasi, all clad in white armor, swooped down and landed around them, spears drawn and raised. “State your business.”

“I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, former pupil to Princess Celestia,” she said. “And this is my assistant, Spike.” A sudden thud came from beside Twilight as Spike capitulated, dropping the bags and curling his wings, shaking and whimpering.

“I see…” One of the guards withdrew his spear and motioned for the others to do the same. He nodded to another, who took off and flew away. “Come with us. We've been expecting a visitor such as yourself.”

“You… have?” Twilight tilted her head. “For what?”

“Our mayor has been requesting you come here for quite some time,” the guard said. “He said that your presence is urgent and something he's wanted for years.”

“Okay…” Twilight nudged Spike, who stopped shaking and picked the bags up. “Why?”

“He didn't tell us.” The guard walked motioned for Twilight to follow. “Now, come with us. Our town is just up ahead.”

Twilight and Spike followed the guard as the other took off, kicking up dust and leaves as they did so. After a few minutes, they arrived outside a massive wall. A gate was slowly creaked opened, revealing several houses that lined a cobblestone street.

“This is it,” the guard said. “As required by law, you are to go ahead and meet some of the residents. I'm sure they're all very eager to meet you both. After that, go to the mayor's office where he will speak to you.”

Twilight nodded her head and walked into the town. Butterflies of all colors flew around, landing atop newly-blossomed flowers. The singing of birds and their hatchlings filled the air. Topping it off was a vibrant rainbow that arched from the far west portion of the town to the opposite end; a majestic waterfall behind it.

“Looks like it was designed using Canterlot as inspiration,” Spike said. “Though it feels less… uptight.”

Twilight waved a hoof to a few passing ponies. She could hear a few of them chatting about the princesses of the desolate wastelands and how ‘Happy’ will herald on the glorious new age, while a few gawked at her and spoke of her having a ‘deformity’. Amidst the chatter however, her eyes remained fixated on the architecture. It was high class—and remarkably well done—but felt off. “It feels fake,” she said. “Like it was manufactured and not hoofmade.”

The grumble of empty stomachs filled the air. Before either Twilight or Spike could say something, a mare with a light-blue coat and short, chocolate-colored mane rushed up in-between them, levitating two cupcakes in front of them. “Hello, you two!” she said with a massive smile. “I'm Candy Cane, and I own the local sweets shop!” She gestured to a house down the block that looked no different than the others: white with a beige roof and four windows, two on each floor.

Twilight looked at the house before turning her attention back to the cupcake that had been floating in front of her. “Oh, why thank you.” She grabbed it with her own magic, devouring it in a single bite.

Candy squealed and danced in place. “Oh, it's so lovely to meet new faces here. It's not often that we get new residents.” She stopped and looked at Twilight with child-like glee. “So, tell me: have you met anypony else?”

Twilight shook her head. “You’re the first pony we've spoken to,” she said. “We just got here.” A realization hit her like a tonne of bricks, causing her to blush. “Oh, I'm so sorry. My name is Twilight Sparkle—” she motioned to Spike, who took a bite out of his cupcake— “and this is Spike.”

“Oh, there's no need to introduce yourselves!” Candy clapped her hooves together. “Our mayor, Happy Townscolt, said that we would should be expecting you both a few days ago!”

Twilight stared, slack jawed. “He… knew we were coming?” she asked. “H-how?”

Candy giggled. “Are you unfamiliar with Happy?” she asked, continuing when Twilight and Spike both nodded. “Happy is a prophet—and the greatest in all of Equestria! Maybe even all of Equus. He has successfully made many prophecies, and your arrival is but one of many.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “A prophet?”

“Oh, yes.” Candy shook her head. “I shouldn't keep you waiting though. Go meet other ponies before you have to meet him.”

Twilight slowly nodded, before hastily trotting off with Spike in tow, and continued down the street.

“So…” Spike aimlessly looked around and cleared his throat. “What, uh… what do you think of this ‘prophet’?”

“I'll judge when I see him,” Twilight responded. “Just knowing that the ponies here expected me is unnerving though.” She stopped and rubbed her temples. “I just… I've never had anypony waiting when trying to solve a friendship problem, let alone had an entire town waiting for me like I'm some fulfillment of a prophecy.” With a sigh, Twilight resumed her stride. “I feel I should be able to rationalize this, but it just doesn't feel right.”

Spike glanced around, now half-heartedly waving at a few of the ponies that greeted and waved at him. “I take it this may not be the best time to ask a question then?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, you can.”

Spike inched closer to Twilight, leaning in closely. “Do you think someone from Starlight's old town went ahead and made a new one?”

“No way,” Twilight whispered back. “This looks like it's been here for far longer than Starlight ever had her town.”

“Hello!”

A high-pitched voice caused Twilight and Spike to stop in their tracks. Turning around, they saw an earth pony mare with a coat as orange as the morning sky and a beige-colored mane galloping up to them. “You must be new here!” She wrapped her legs around Twilight briefly and smiled widely. “I mean, you aren't familiar, so I'm guessing that you're new!”

Twilight took a few steps back. “Y-yeah, you could say that,” she said. “My name is—”

“You're Twilight Sparkle!” the mare interjected. “And you're Spike! I overheard you talking to Candy before!” She picked him up and hugged him. “And might I just say: you are the cutest little dragon ever!” She fell to her haunches, rubbing her cheek against Spike's, and continued, her gaze loosely fixated on Twilight. “My name's Summer Solstice! I own a little flower shop just up the block.”

“T-that’s… nice… air,” Spike choked out.

“Oh, I'm so sorry!” Summer released Spike from her embrace. She stood up and giggled. “So, I take it you know that our mayor has been expecting you?”

“Yeah…” Twilight walked up next to Spike and wrapped a wing around him. “Speaking of which, where's his office?”

“Oh, I'll go show you!” Summer motioned for the two to follow her. “So, what do you think of the town so far?”

“It's… nice,” Twilight said, eyeballing the houses. Though she hadn't said anything, the sight of them had begun to get to her. They were identical: all white with beige roofs and four windows; two on the top floor and two in the bottom. “Definitely a cozy little place.”

“Oh, you don't know the half of it!” Summer stopped in front of Twilight, her big blue eyes glistening in the sunlight. “Here in Happy Town, there are no grey skies and no frowns!” she said. “Everypony is always happy and smiling! No one has cried it felt angry!” Summer bounced, giggling wildly. “Everything is perfect!”

Twilight further closed her wing around Spike, who wrapped his arms around her leg, and took a step back. “Um… that's very nice, Summer, but I'd really like to speak to the mayor,” she said. “Especially if he's been expecting me.”

Summer stopped bouncing. “Oh, yes!” She pointed to a larger-than-average building up the street. “His office right up there!” she said. “I’ll show you around town after he's done talking to you! Okay?”

“Sure.” Twilight nudged Spike slightly, who let go of her leg, and trotted ahead, her wing still encasing Spike.

“See ya, new friend!”

“Twilight,” Spike said softly. “Is she related to Pinkie?”

Twilight sighed. “No, she isn't,” she said. “At least, I don't think she is.”

After a brief walk, the two arrived outside city hall. Twilight withdrew her wing and walked up the flight of stairs, opening the door and trotting up to the front desk.

“Twilight Sparkle?” an elderly mare said from behind the desk.

“That's me,” Twilight said.

The mare looked down at Spike. “Sorry, little guy, but you have to wait out here.” Ignoring the eye roll Spike did, she looked at Twilight. “Come with me.”

Twilight followed the mare through a large, wooden door.

Inside, and behind a desk, sat a pegasus, his mane as dark as the night sky. Complementing it was a coat that was white as snow. In front of him was a small, neatly stacked pile of papers. To the side was a small nameplate that was written—and colored—with a myriad of crayons. A few stickers adorned it. Topping it all off was a thin layer of glitter.

Mayor Happy T.

Happy looked up and set aside a paper. A smile formed on his face as Twilight stepped forward, her legs shaking. “The archangel told me you'd be coming,” he said in monotone. “Welcome to Happy Town. I'll be showing you to your new home momentarily.”

Hooked on a Feeling

Twilight stared blankly at Happy, who held his hoof out. It was only when the door shut behind her that Twilight snapped back into reality, jumping and whacking Happy's hoof with her own.

“Do remain calm, Miss. Sparkle,” he said. “If you have any questions regarding your new house, or any preferences to location, now is the time to say so.”

“O-oh.” Twilight cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths. “W-well, for starters, I can't stay here or move here!” she said. “The cutie map summoned me here as there was a friendship problem that I must solved. Unless there was a mistake, which there couldn't have been, I must apologize. I-I can't simply stop teaching my school.”

Happy raised an eyebrow. “You intend on leaving?”

Twilight slowly nodded and brought her hoof back. “Yes?”

Happy’s eyes narrowed. “Nopony leaves this place,” he said. “I understand that you must have some family and friends outside of here, but I cannot simply let you leave. To do so would let others see that you have authority over me, and no one has that.” Happy pressed his about up against Twilight's. “Now, shall I show you to your new home? I designed it myself with all the love and care I put into every other building in this town.”

“I…” Twilight took a step back and shifted, clearing her throat. “I have a school to run, Happy.”

“Lovely, you can teach at the school here,” Happy chirped. “The students are sure to adore you.”

“I'm sorry, but I cannot stay here!” Twilight stomped a hoof. “If you do not let me to leave, I will have no choice but to have Princess Celestia and the Royal Guard come here and have you arrested.”

A smile formed on Happy's face, stretching from ear-to-ear. “Is that so?” he asked. “I must say: I've always wanted to meet her.” Stepping out Twilight's side, Happy wrapped a wing around her and whispered, “Tell you what. How about you stay and have her come here. That sound good? This town has been waiting a very long time for Celestia to visit us and your ability to have her come here is the perfect opportunity to fulfill the dream of not just me, but the entire town.” Happy brought his wing back to his side and backpedaled up to his desk. “In exchange for you granting the wishes of my town’s citizens, I'll let you leave!”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow. “What if I do decide to leave overnight?”

“I know you won't,” Happy said. “You were destined to come here and you are destined to stay here.”

Twilight felt a flurry of emotions rush through her. At first, she flinched, only to immediately tilt her head, at which point a large smile formed on her face, only for it to turn upside down and for her brows to tilt down with it. Once her chain reaction of emotions finished, Twilight’s face returned to a blank expression. “And why are you so eager to meet her?” she asked. “You know the moment she gets here, you’d be arrested for holding me captive, right?”

“What can I say? I’m a big fan of hers.” Happy walked up to Twilight’s side and patted her mane. “Now let's go to your house. I have things to do and I'm not going to run behind.”

Without another word, Twilight followed Happy out the doors, motioning for Spike to follow her. He got off of his chair and walked to her side. “So, what’d you talk about?” he asked as the three of them left city hall. “I heard a bit of yelling and I almost ran in, but the old mare behind the desk looked at me with that look you give me when I say I want to eat ice cream before bed.”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only for Happy to turn and face them. “We spoke of things that will set into motion the start of a new, glorious age.” He turned around and spread his wings, pointing to the ponies that wandered, all smiling and talking to each other. “This is where it will all begin, and you will both play an important role in it spreading to the rest of not only this country, but the entire world.”

Spike raised a hand. “And if I may ask: what age exactly is that?”

Happy turned around and withdrew his wings. “It’s what I call the Age of Serenity.” he said. “It is an age that I saw from an archangel when I was at my lowest point. The angel came to me, her armor shining with the brilliance of ten thousand suns, and told me that I would lead ponies into an age the likes of which we as a species have never seen before.” He pointed to Twilight. “And she is the key to it becoming a true reality.”

Twilight sunk back and cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I am most certainly eager to assist in making it a reality,” she said. “I, uh, believe that I can help advance us towards that if we get to where I will be staying however.”

“Oh, goodness, I almost forgot.” Happy turned back around and trotted away without another word.

Twilight and Spike, however, slowly turned to look at each other, both bearing looks of hesitation.

“Should… should we stay and follow him?” Spike asked. “Or should we go and find a way out? Because I feel like he’s going to lead us to some sacrifice.”

Twilight bit her lip and thought for a minute. Although Happy struck her as odd to say the least, and her power as an alicorn could easily outdo anything the guards threw their way. Though she knew that deep down that it was her mission to fix whatever friendship problem was going on here.

Even if it meant having to be trapped in a town with an enigmatic pony.

“If we stay, there’s going to be trouble,” Twilight said, “but if we leave, it will be double. Who knows what he’ll do if we manage escape.” She sighed. “Besides, we’re here to solve a friendship problem, and we have an obligation to solve it. I’ll leave Happy to the guards.”

Spike nodded, a look of reluctance on his face, and followed Twilight as she rushed to catch up to Happy. By the time he was by their side, they'd reached their new residence. Unsurprisingly, it looked just like the others houses, save for the innovative addition of a small picket fence around it.

“This beauty was hoofcrafted with love and care by the citizens of this very town!” Happy said proudly. “And it's all yours!”

“It's nice,” Twilight replied curtly. “I believe I'll enjoy it very much.”

Happy nodded and tossed a keychain to Twilight. “Just remember, princess: the Gods of this world do not care for you. They care only for themselves.” He rested a hoof on his chest and smiled. “I, however, do care for you.” With that, Happy walked off, whistling a nameless tune to himself.

Twilight stared back at Happy for a few seconds before walking into the house with Spike.

The living room had a coffee table, a couch, and a rug beneath them. The walls were a light blue. Connected to the living room was a small kitchen. To the left of the room was a short staircase that lead upstairs.

“Well, this is… cozy?” Twilight locked the door and grabbed one of the bags Spike has been hauling around, placing it on the couch. “What do you think, Spike?”

“I think I got a hernia from carrying around half of your room.” Spike placed his hands on his back and cracked it, letting out a sigh of relief. He turned around and saw a not-so-amused Twilight. He rolled his eyes. “Oh, the house is nice too. Reminds me of the old place we had—but without anything that made it nice,” he said. “So… it's nothing like the old place.”

Twilight chuckled. “Well, now that we’re ‘home’, I need you to take a letter,” she said. “Now.”

“And they said that everyone here is happy.” Spike grabbed a quill and parchment from a bag. “Okay, what do you want me to tell her?”

Dear Princess Celestia,

I shall keep this as brief as possible. The cutie map summoned me to a small town in northern Equestria—not too far south of the Crystal Empire. Spike and I arrived a few hours ago and we were greeted by a few guards. I think ~~Spike~~ I may have pissed myself.

The town itself is named ‘Happy Town’ and everypony here is smiling. It's like their faces are being held in place. I saw foals that were smiling as they chanted about how blessed they were to live in the town. A few lovers were kissing and I think they were doing so by connecting their teeth rather than their lips.

The town is run by a stallion named Happy Townscolt, and he wishes to meet you. He also said that I must live here and has all but said that I am a prisoner in his… lovely little town.

I'm unsure as to what he'd do if we leave or tried to, but something about him doesn't feel right. He claimed to have been visited by an archangel that told him to usher in a new age. His citizens seem adamant that it's something that will come. I saw posters on a few shops that said it was ‘imminent’ and that it would come “with a bang”. I overheard a few ponies saying that when it came, “the Age of Princesses would end, and the Age of Serenity would begin”. Others mentioned that I have a “deformity”.

I dared not ask as I worried they may recognize me. In hindsight, nopony has noticed that I'm a princess, save for Happy. He seems to be the only one who knows most of the things that most ponies would consider basic knowledge. Everypony else… I think they're indoctrinated.

I’m considering going around town to learn about it. If there's anyway to prevent this ‘new era’, I wish to do it.

Your former student, Twilight Sparkle

Spike rolled the letter up and sent it off to Celestia. “So, you really think Happy would do something if we flew off in the middle of the night?”

"I don't know, Spike.” Twilight unpacked an assortment of books and medicinal items. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her assistant do the same, setting them into neat, orderly stacks.

“That mare, Candy, said he was a prophet, right?” Spike asked. “You think he really knew we were coming?”

“I don't know.” Twilight sighed heavily. “I really don't. If he is, then I'm sure Celestia will know of him.”

“You really think Celestia would be fond of someone whose followers are preaching the end of the age of princesses?”

Twilight grimaced. “I… do not know, Spike,” she said through clenched teeth. “I'm sure that Celestia will however.” With her magic, she grabbed some of the books and walked upstairs. Within her mind, however, a flurry of possibilities ate away at her.

Would he really be so callous as to do something if we fled? Twilight entered the first room she saw. A queen-size bed rested against the wall. Next to the was a small nightstand, and across from it; a bookshelf. Guess he's callous enough to treat us like we’re in a two-star hotel.

Twilight made several trips downstairs and back up. Slowly, her new bedroom began to look like the one she had back in the Golden Oak Library. To some degree anyway.

“Spike!”

Spike poked his head out from his own bedroom across the hall. “Yes?”

Twilight stepped aside. “What do you think?”

Spike walked into the bedroom and examined it. Stacks upon stacks of books filled the room. There was also a cup of water on one of the stacks. Looking down, Spike saw a book open to a page on an infamous cult that operated out of Manetana that was run by a stallion named Apple Seed. “Twilight, are you still thinking about what Happy will do?” He picked the book up and flipped through the pages. “Didn't you say you got rid of this after Starlight saw it and cried because she thought you didn't trust her?”

Twilight yanked the book out of Spike's hands. “I bought two copies just in case that situation ever arose!” She sighed “I’m sorry. I have been thinking about and it's frustrating me,” she said. “I wanted to see if there was anything on why everyone seemed so… strange. I think Happy's indoctrinated the residents somehow.”

“How do you think he did that?” Spike asked. “Think he did what Starlight did?”

Twilight shook her head. “I think he did something else,” she said. “I think he did it the old fashion way and seduced the residents with his charisma and then used something to make sure they never wanted to leave.”

Spike waited a bit. “Like?”

Twilight shrugged. “I don't know. I read that some cult leaders in the last have used things like self-made spells to make the residents believe they've lived there their entire lives while others have used magical brands,” she said. “Neither strike me as things Happy would do though.”

Spike opened his mouth to reply, only to burp out a letter from Celestia. Twilight grabbed it, unravelling it.

Dear, Twilight,

I do apologise for taking so long to respond. I regret to inform you that I was unable to pinpoint exactly where you are, but I'm continuing to attempt to figure out. When I do, I will be there as soon as possible. Until then, I believe it's a wonderful idea for you to learn more about the town. Do send me updates on what you learn.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia

“Well, guess that's our cue to go repeat what we did when we first went to Ponyville,” Spike said. “Where do you—”

Knock knock

Twilight walked downstairs and opened the door, only to be tackled to the ground by Summer, who wrapped her legs around the princess. “Hello again!”

“Hi…” Twilight wrapped her legs around Summer. She tilted her head back and looked up at the stairs to see Spike, who looked down with concern. Shrugging her shoulders at him, she asked, “What brings you here?”

Summer released Twilight and sat up. “I said I'd show you around town, silly!” she said. “Happy says that my personality makes me perfect for showing new residents around town as I embody everything about what he strives for in ponies!”

“How'd you even find our place?” Spike asked, descending the stairs.

Summer ran over and hugged Spike, causing the little dragon to struggle for freedom. “Happy told me!”

“Well, you're in luck,” Twilight said. “We were just about to go look around the town and see what it has to offer.”

Summer dropped Spike, who scrambled to his feet and ran to Twilight's side. “Well, let's not waste any time!” She pushed Twilight and Spike outside, closing the door behind her. “First up, there's the big wall around our town!” Summer pointed to it, moving her back and forth wildly. “Happy had it built when he first made the town, expanding it with time as needed. He says that it's there to protect us from the Forbidden Forest.”

“You mean where we came from?” Spike asked. “And where those guards ambushed us?”

“The angels rescued you two from the forest!?” Summer placed her hooves over her mouth and looked around. After a few moments, she whispered, “That's so cool! What was it like there? Were there leviathans? Pools of fire?” She gasped. “Do the spirits of the dead wander and beg for salvation?”

Twilight and Spike exchanged looks of confusion before shaking their heads.

“Aw, I guess you two weren't in the right place then,” Summer said. “Anyways, the wall is guarded by angels! They're pegasi that Happy himself chooses and trains to protect us from the evil that lurks outside!”

“And said evil is leviathans and the spirits of the dead?” Twilight asked.

Summer nodded. “There's also the demonic forces that Princess Celestia rules over.” She shivered. “You came from the forest. Have you seen any of them?”

Twilight furrowed her brow and narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?” she asked through gritted teeth. She could feel an immense level of anger rise inside of her—it was rising fast. “I don’t think I quite—”

A sharp pain shot through her leg. Looking down, Twilight saw Spike swipe his hand just below his chin; a look of displeasure on his face. Shaking her head, she looked back at Summer and cleared her throat. “Um, I apologize, I… uh, am not used to hearing the truth about Celestia!” A nervous laugh escaped Twilight’s mouth as she remembered the posters she saw around town. “I’m sure they're very scary though!”

“Oh, you didn’t have to apologize!” Summer bounced over and hugged Twilight. “I understand that the truth is a lot to take in. Happy would understand! It took him a long time to come to grips with it.” She let go of Twilight and placed her hooves on her shoulders. “Same with me. It took me months to realize that I had been living a lie!” Summer motioned for Twilight to follow her, who looked down at Spike. They both shrugged and trailed slightly behind her.

“I've heard stories from some of the angels that they've seen Celestia herself and they she had four horns that she can detach that turn into smaller princesses,” she said. “I also heard she had a sister that she sacrificed to her pagan God so she could rule forever.”

Twilight grimaced. “Who told you this?”

“Happy did,” Summer replied. “He told me when I first arrived here with my coltfriend—Green Horn! He got his name because he was born with a deformity that made his horn green, so he wasn’t very good at magic. Which is a shame, because we almost froze to death the day that we arrived here! You see, we’d just had a blizzard and got caught in it. Our cabin was destroyed by the winds and in the middle of it, we got lost. We ended up wandering around and our coats were both covered entirely in snow after a few minutes.” Summer shivered. “Sorry, just remembering how cold it was… it’s scary. Anyways, the angels found us when it seemed like we were destined to freeze. They brought us here and there wasn’t a bit of snow on the ground. The sky was like it is now.” Summer let out a sigh and fluttered her eyes. “As I looked around, a sensation unlike any I’d ever felt filled me. It was like I’d walked into Heaven. But best of all: I could see Green’s beautiful green coat once more. It was also shinier than I remembered it.”

Twilight gave a slight nod. “Where’s your coltfriend now?”

Summer snapped out of her stupor and shook her head. “My…” She looked out the ground. “Oh. Green Horn’s been apparently working full-time with Happy on keeping the town running.” She looked back up at Twilight, a tear running down her face. “So he’s never home anymore.” Summer shook her head once more and rubbed her eyes. “B-but that’s okay, because Happy says that he’s always smiling while we works!”

“He’s happy to be working endlessly?” Spike asked, perplexed. “Does he ever sleep or get breaks?”

“Happy gives him a few breaks everyday,” Summer replied. “Though he also helps with other things around town! I sometimes see him and he sometimes waves to me, so I know he’s okay.”

“Well, at least he’s okay,” Twilight said. “Now, where to next?”

Summer thought. “Oh, I know just where!” She stood up and raced off. “Follow me!”

“Boy, she sure knows how to change moods,” Spike said as he and Twilight followed suite. “Think it’s something in the water?”

“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Twilight said. She and Spike kept a steady pace on Summer, who raced past numerous ponies, each of whom greeted her. Likewise, she greeted them back, stopping to hug a select few with a level of vigor that could only be matched by Pinkie Pie. After a few minutes of endlessly running, Summer stopped just short of a marble fountain carved to look like Happy, who was holding a torch.

“This is the park!” Summer galloped over to a fountain and pranced beneath the water, giggling. “Every Saturday night, we all meet up here and play!” she said gleefully. “It's also where I had my first kiss!”

Spike gagged, only to receive a nudge from Twilight. “How romantic,” she said. “Say, tomorrow's Saturday. Perhaps you can get us acquainted with some more of the residents here!”

“Oh, that's a lovely idea!” Summer bounced in a circle beneath the fountain. “You can meet all of my friends!” She stopped and thought for a minute, mouthing off a few names. “Which is almost everypony!” Rushing over to Twilight's side, Summer wrapped a let around her. “Now c'mon, you have so much more to see!”

Before Twilight could respond, she was whisked away by Summer. Through the park they ran with Spike flying at their side. The trio stopped at an assortment of places: the town library, which Twilight was dragged away from by Spike. Next was the town jewelry store, which Spike had to be dragged away from by Twilight. Finally, there was the town bakery, which both had to be dragged away from by Summer.

After a few hours of wandering around the town, the three ended up back where they started—the sun now casting an orange glow across the sky.

“So, now you're almost all set for your new life here!” Summer chirped. “There's just one last thing you need to do before you're officially a resident of Happy Town!”

“What’s that?” asked Twilight.

“Well, you see: Happy likes to play the newcomers to the town a song he made!” Summer beamed. “And it's, like, the absolute best song ever!”

Twilight’s eyes slowly widened as Summer’s words echoed in her head. She felt a wave of fear crash over her. “Oh, uh.” She coughed, her eyes frantically darting back and forth, eventually settling on Spike, who inched back until he was behind Twilight. “Y-yeah, I, uh.” Her eyes landed back Summer, whose smile had all but faded.

Summer tilted her head, a child-like smile reforming on her face once she realized she had Twilight's attention again. “Come on,” she said. “Just say yes and I'll bring you to Happy's place so you can get hooked on the best feeling ever!”

Twilight gulped. Her legs shook. “I, uh…” She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.

“What's wrong?” Summer asked. “That weird deformity of yours acting up and giving you a fever?”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What deformity?”

Summer pointed to Twilight's horn and her wings. “Happy says that very special ponies are born with both,” she said, “but also get very bad fevers at times. His song can make it all better though!”

Twilight blinked. “N-no, I'll be fine,” she said “I'll definitely think about it, I promise. I just need to… settle down, y'know?”

Summer’s smile briefly faltered. “Aw, okay!” she said. “I’ve gotta go though! I'm pretty sure my mommy and daddy wouldn't have approved of me being out so late on a weekday!” She wrapped her legs around Twilight, embracing her in a constricting hug. Once she'd released her, she darted over to Spike and hugged him before he could flee, releasing him once he managed to squeak out a plea for mercy. “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Before either of them could say a word, Summer galloped away, vanishing around a corner.

An awkward silence fell between Twilight and Spike as they walked back into their house. Once inside, Twilight sat down against the door. “I’m exhausted,” she said. “Spike, can you fetch me a pillow and blanket? I think I'll sleep here tonight.”

Spike smirked and folded his arms. “Too tired to send Celestia a follow-up letter about what you learned?”

Twilight raised her head and nodded. “Between the school and now this, I'm beat,” she said. “I never thought teaching so many the joys and values of friendship could be so exhausting.”

“You don't think about a lot of things, Twilight,” Spike replied. “You didn't think to ask Fluttershy about how dangerous Black Widows were before you panicked and began writing your will.”

“I was stressed!” Twilight responded. “And I'm even more stressed now.”

“Your point?”

Twilight put on her best sheepish smile. “Could you write the letter to Celestia?”

Spike sighed and walked over to Twilight's side. “C'mon, I'll help you to your bedroom,” he said. “Then I'll write the letter.”

Twilight giggled and shakily stood up with Spike's help. With the grace of career drunks, the two made their way upstairs, stopping once they were outside their bedrooms.

Spike wrapped his arms around Twilight. “Good night, Twilight.”

“Good night, Spike.” Twilight wrapped her wings around Spike in a loving embrace before the two walked into their respective rooms.

Welcome to the New Age

Bong! Bong!

The sun had just risen over the clear skies of Happy Town. The rays of sunshine pierced through the small openings in the curtains, striking Twilight’s eyes. Alas, she could only wish that that had been what had awoke her.

Bong! Bong!

The cacophonous sound of a bell echoed in her head. Each successive ring only served to amplify the migraine she’d inevitably have by noontime. She grabbed her pillow and closed it around her head, pressing it against her ears with every ounce of strength she had in her still-exhausted body. Try as she may, the sound of the bell penetrated her soft, comfortable defense.

“Twilight.” Spike opened the door and fell face-first onto the floor, incoherently mumbling something to the effect of a plea to make the ringing stop.

“Ugh.” Twilight threw the pillow onto the floor and got out of bed, her legs shaking like she’d been stuck out in a blizzard without so much as a t-shirt on her. She stumbled over to Spike’s side and helped him up. Outside, they could both hear the chatter of numerous ponies as they all exited their houses and converged near the town center.

“Should we go check what’s going on?” Spike asked as he rose to his feet.

Twilight gave a slight nod. Together, the two staggered down the stairs and outside, flinching as the light of the day struck their still half-shut eyes. Another resounding bong rang out through the air, snapping them back into reality, follow by an equally ear-shattering sound.

“Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike!”

Before either of them could fully register what they’d heard, Summer galloped up and threw her hooves around them. “Did you hear the great news?”

“N-no,” Twilight managed to squeak out as she and Spike flailed around wildly. “We haven’t…”

Summer released the two from the hug and let out a sheepish giggle. “Sorry,” she said. “I’m just super excited! It’s not often that Happy has the bell rung!” She clapped her hooves together. “The bell is only rung when something super duper important is going to happen or has happened and he wants us all to hear about it!”

“Any reason it has to be at the crack of dawn?” Spike asked, rubbing his sides.

“Happy likes us to get our days started on a good note!” Summer beamed. “Now c’mon, we shouldn’t wait any longer! If we do, we might miss what the good news is!” She raced off to the town center, leaving Twilight and Spike behind in the dust. Groaning, they continued onward, arriving a few moments later, where a small wooden stage had been set up. A white curtain hung around it with angels hanging above it all. After a few moments, Happy stepped onto the stage and cleared his throat.

“Good morning my dear children. I am your mayor—and savior—Happy Townscolt.” He bowed as the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, causing Twilight and Spike to flinch. “As you both know, we had two new residents arrive yesterday from the Forbidden Forest. They escaped the iron grip that the false Goddess, Princess Celestia, holds on the land past our blessed town.” Happy pointed a wing at Twilight and Spike. “So please, give them your blessings after this meeting is done. They will need it to wash away the sin that they bear.”

The crowd turned around and cheered; Happy watched with a large smile. He cleared his throat and continued. “So, I come before you all today bearing only the best of news,” he said. “Today is not only another beautiful day in Happy Town, but also the beginning of something very special.”

Another eruption of cheers and applause roared through the air; Twilight and Spike both inching backwards as the audience jumped with unbridled joy and happiness. After several long and brutally loud seconds, the noise died down. With a smile, Happy descended back down to the stage and continued.

“My brothers and sisters—young and elderly—alone and who are with the one they wish to call their eternal partner, both in this life and in the next, I have never been more proud in my life. When I was visited by the Mother of Celestia, I did not think it was possible,” he said. “I did not think that someone like myself could warrant such an honor. I was alone. I had nothing to my name. Not a single bit or a single possession. However, I was chosen by the Mother of the one who has wrought so much chaos across not just this land, but the entire planet, to free every living being from her daughters tyrannical reign.” He wiped a tear from his eye. “And you are the ones who will be remembered when that day comes—the ones who assisted the Great Redeemer in his quest to bring Equestria and her ponies to eternal salvation.”

Happy spread his wings and ascended. “Welcome to the new age, my children.” A radiant light surrounding his figure. “The Age of Serenity.”

Twilight and Spike watched in awe as the light expanded, enveloping the crowd and them in its warm, motherly embrace. The headaches they’d sported since being awoken quickly vanished as the light danced around them; taking the form of a variety of ponies. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Starlight. An overwhelming sense of peace washed over them, causing them to fall the floor. The light stopped in front of them, shifting into a large alicorn, her body bathed in the roaring fires of the sun. Her long, flowing mane draped over her back, embers drifting off of it with each passing second. She lowered her head, staring into Twilight’s eyes with a look of malice. Then, all at once, the light surged back towards Happy, disappearing with a powerful burst.

The crowd erupted into another round of wild cheering and applause. Hastily, Twilight scrambled to her hooves and retreated back, Spike by her side. “Did you see—”

“Yes,” Spike interrupted, shaking. “I’ll head home and—”

“Oh. My. Gosh!” Summer bolted over to the two, a wild look in her eyes. Her body shook wildly as eyes darted from Twilight to Spike repeatedly. It was like she was on the most intense sugar rush imaginable. “Aren’t Happy’s miracles, like, the absolute best things ever!?” she asked. “I saw all sorts of crazy things! Th-there was Celestia and she was on this stake and Happy had this really big pile of wood beneath her! Then he burned her!” Summer danced in place, letting out a high-pitched squeal. “It was awesome!”

Twilight bit her lip, her eyes roving to the the side. “Uh… yeah,” she said through her teeth. “Sounds fantastic.” She let out a nervous laugh. “Can you excuse us for a moment?”

Summer nodded, and the two walked away, stopping when they were out of earshot. “Go home and sent a letter to Celestia immediately,” Twilight said. “Ask her if she knows what sort of magic he’s using. I’ll hang out with Summer for the day and see if she knows anything.”

Spike gave a quick nod and ran off. With a sigh, Twilight returned to Summer. “Sorry,” she said. “He wasn’t feeling too well, so he went home.”

“Oh, it’s no big deal!” Summer said. “Our town doctor can see him if you’d like.”

Twilight shook her head. “It’s okay, he just ate a bit too much last night.”

“Ooh. I know how that is,” Summer said. “So, wanna go out for breakfast?”

“Sure!” Twilight beamed, hoping that Summer wouldn’t see through her forced smile. To her delight, she didn’t, and the two walked to a nearby restaurant. From the sides of the street, ponies gave their blessings to Twilight. Others were oblivious to her presence, instead talking to each other about what they’d seen. She could hear a few said they saw the execution of Celestia. Others said they saw their relatives begging to be let into the town. A shiver ran down her spine.

“Chilly?” Summer asked.

“A little,” Twilight replied.

“Ah, don't worry” Summer trotted up to the front door to the restaurant. “It'll be lots warmer in here!”

Twilight smiled and walked into the building. It had a quaint feel to it, in spite of its blase appearance. Once they'd been seated, they ordered pancakes.

“So, tell me,” Summer began, “what do you think of the town?”

“It’s… nice,” Twilight said, her eyes roving around, examining the bland, uninspired architecture that made up the vast majority of the town. “Where did he get the bits to build this place?”

“Happy came from a super rich family in what he calls the most vile place in all of Equestria,” Summer began. “Canterlot.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Canterlot? I was born there.”

Summer gasped. “You mean that you were born in Tartarus on Equus?” She glanced around, eventually leaning in and asking in a hush tone, “Is it true the damned walk the streets?”

“No?” Twilight scrunched her face. “Though there are a lot of ponies with dead looks in their eyes.”

Summer brought her head back and rubbed her chin. “I guess Happy was being metaphorical,” she said. “Anyways, his parents were aristocrats, but he never said what they did for work. Regardless, they were kinda close to Celestia.” She sighed. “Happy thinks that because they were so close to her that that’s what hastened their deaths. He said that the closer they got to her, the more they started to argue. Then, one day, he woke up and they were gone.”

A deafening silence fell between the two. After a bit, a waiter arrived with their pancakes. Once he’d left, Summer continued.

“It wasn’t long after that that he inherited their fortune,” she said. “He wasn't happy—” she giggled, and Twilight rolled her eyes. “He blamed Celestia for their disappearance. It drove him mad. He hired private investigator after private investigator to find them, but they all came up emptyhoofed.”

“Are they still missing?” Twilight asked, taking a bite of her pancakes. “I’ve never heard of his parents, whatever their names are.”

Summer shrugged. “He never told us.”

Twilight’s chewing slowed and her eyes narrowed. “And you just believe his claim that he comes from a rich family?”

Summer nodded her head rapidly. “Oh, yes! Every little thing he does is magic!” she replied. “Besides, I have no reason not to believe him! And, honestly, where else would he get the bits to build such a gorgeous town?”

Geez, her head bobs enough to be a fishing instrument! Twilight thought as she took a bite out of her pancakes. “Well, I, uh, can’t answer that,” she responded. “But tell me, how’d he end up here?”

Summer took a bite of her pancakes. “Well, after a few months, Happy grew really angry at Celestia. He believed that she wasn’t worthy of being the princess, and thought she was a false Goddess, but he knew he could do nothing about it. So he left Canterlot and gave all of his money to a pony he called ‘Stupid Rich’ or something. He told him to invest in something worth a damn.”

“Which he did,” Twilight said. “I think.”

Summer rolled her eyes. “That’s good to know,” she said. “So, anyways, after he left Canterlot, he went to a bunch of places. He saw the Gryphon kingdom and said they were a bunch of Godless heathens and that they’ll all burn in the end. He also saw a town full of demons where they sell ponies into slavery!” A shiver ran up and down Summer’s spine. “But the place where he found his calling was this town in the middle of nowhere, where there was this mare who ruled over a few ponies. They all had these equal signs for cutie marks.”

Twilight choked on her pancakes, her eyes wide with horror. The blood in her veins froze as she caught her breath from coughing. “O-oh,” she said through her gasps.

“Yeah, that’s how I reacted too!” Summer replied. “The ponies there were super friendly to him, and the mayor talked to him about joining the town! Before he said yes though, he got the vision of Celestia’s mom. She warned him of the evils that were at work in the town, and he left before the mayor could do anything to him.” Summer took a bite out of her pancakes and continued. “I was in awe that the mother of a demon could be so benevolent! She saved Happy from such horrors!”

“He saw Celestia's mother?” Twilight tilted her head. “Okay…”

“I know, it's so cool!” Summer said. “He says that she told him to use his divine song to bring ponies together. So now, whenever anyone comes here, Happy plays him his song, and it makes everypony happy, no matter how sad or angry they may be!”

Twilight blinked. A myriad of thoughts ran through her mind about why the legendary Queen Solaris would visit a pony like Happy. Hallucination from dehydration, illness, or the work of an assassin from a co-worker who wanted to inherit whatever business Happy's father owned.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Summer nervously asked as her friend's gaze slowly bored its way into her soul.

Shaking her head, Twilight snapped out of her stupor. “Oh, yeah,” she said. “Sorry, just imagining how, uh, beautiful Happy's song must be!”

“Oh, if you want to experience it for yourself, just go visit Happy's office. I'm sure he’d be more than willing to play it for you!” Summer looked over at Twilight's plate and then back at her own. “For now, let's finish our breakfast! I’m starving.”

“Yeah, same,” Twilight replied as she dug into her breakfast.

Once breakfast was done and she’d parted ways with Summer, Twilight made her way over to Happy's office. To her delight, his schedule was clear.

“I appreciate you taking time to see me,” Twilight said as she and Happy walked to his office. “I know we didn't get to interact much when I first got here, so I've been aching to see you again.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” Happy replied. “I would have loved to have spoken to you more, but even a town as perfect as this one needs to be kept up-to-date with its utilities and what have you.” He stopped outside a door with a large keep out sign on it. “Such as this place!”

Twilight stopped and turned her head to the door “What's behind it?”

“That, my dear child, leads to the town mine!” Happy said. “It's what I call ‘Happy's Mine of Happiness’!”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You aren't very good with names, are you?”

“Not exactly.” Happy sighed. “But, that's okay!” he beamed. “Because in this town, everything is happy!” Happy clapped his hooves together. “Even the corpses are happy!”

“What if the pony was evil and they go to Tartarus?” Twilight asked. “I doubt they'd be very happy then.”

“Dear child, nopony here goes, or will go, to Tartarus.” Happy placed a wing around Twilight. “For it is by my grace and blessings that all those here are absolved of their sins.” He looked at her and smiled. “You are in the presence of God.”

Twilight felt a wave of unease course through her. “I see.” She resumed her stride and the two arrived back in Happy's office a few moments later.

“So, Twilight, I heard from one of the angels that you were out and about with Summer yesterday seeing what the town had to offer.” Happy closed the door behind him and looked at Twilight with a large smile. “Tell me: what do you think of the town?”

“Oh, well, it's absolutely beautiful!” Twilight replied with a smile of her own. “It's one of the most delightful places I've ever been to in my life! Truly a marvelous town that I wish every pony could be a part of.”

A smirk etched itself onto Happy's face. He stood up and walked over to Twilight's side, patting her head with one of his wings. “Good to see that you're liking the place,” he said. “Now tell me: what brings you to my office?”

“Well, you see, I was talking to Summer after that speech you gave earlier and I asked about your past.” Twilight opened her mouth to continue, only for the words to get caught her throat as Happy's smile vanished and was replaced with a look of displeasure. “So I, uh, wanted to…”

“My past is none of your concern.” Happy raised a wing over his face, narrowing his eyes and casting a glare at Twilight. “It was pain. Always has been and always will be. It is all my cold, dead heart knows. I was destined to be the alicorn to succeed Celestia, but she stole the title from me.”

Twilight slowly blinked as an awkward silence fell between them. Eventually, Happy lowered his wing. “What? Not funny?”

Twilight gave a weak giggle. “It… it was funny,” she said. “A-anyways, I wanted to know about this ‘song’ of yours.”

“Oh, what a lovely question.” Happy trotted back to his desk and grabbed a piece of paper. “When the archangel visited me on that fateful day, she whispered to me the most beautiful song I have ever heard. It was something no mortal could ever write or compose.” With one of his wings, Happy turned Twilight's head and stared her in the eye. “It was divinely made.”

“Right.” Twilight stepped back and levitated the paper out of Happy's wing. “Lemme re—”

Happy scoffed and grabbed the paper back from Twilight. “It was made by divine beings,” he said. “And it was written by divine beings.” He laughed and walked back to his desk. “I don't expect someone who doesn't been blessed by the angels themselves to be capable of reading their language.”

“Their language!?” Twilight facehoofed. “Happy, that's just a bunch of squiggly lines!”

Happy spun around and shot a glare towards Twilight. “Hey! Just because you haven't had the opportunity I've had to learn the language of beings higher than the devils you've lived among doesn't mean that this is just a ‘bunch of squiggly lines’!”

Twilight snorted. “Fine, what does it say?”

Happy raised an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”

Twilight smirked. “What does it say, Happy?”

“Fine.” Happy extended you wings and cleared his throat. “By the power and grace of His eternal love, I bestow upon all His creations his will!”

A surge of light shot towards Twilight, enveloping her. For a brief moment, everything made sense. Then, as quickly as it began, it ended, and the room fell into silence once more

“Well?” Happy smirked. “What'd you think?”

Twilight looked around the room, immense confusion filling her. “That… that was it?”

Happy frowned. “What, you didn't like it?”

“It's just that I’d heard it was the most beautiful and amazing thing ever,” Twilight said. “And that was… well, disappointing.”

“Disappointing!?” Happy stormed up to Twilight and pressed his muzzle against hers, several harsh blasts of air exiting his nostrils. Quickly, though, he backed off, the look of wrath on his face slowly being replaced with a warm, welcoming smile. “I understand. It’s not for everyone.”

“Um…” Twilight shifted around and let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t enjoy it.”

“Oh, it’s perfectly alright,” Happy replied. “There’s another song that I’ve written however, but that one has to wait as Candy’s been busy. She plays the violin for that one, and it’s played along with this one whenever a new resident is fully brought into our town.”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow. “What’s she been busy with?”

“Well, when she heard that a new member would be arriving, she began planning this really big party,” Happy said. “I think it’ll be happening tomorrow if memory serves. So, perhaps after that, we can inaugurate you as Happy Town’s newest resident!”

“A party?” A smile formed on Twilight’s face. “Oh, how nice of you!”

“It’s nothing, Twilight.” Happy over to his office door and opened it. “Though you must excuse me. I need to go make sure everything’s going according to plan.”

Twilight nodded and walked over, only to be stopped as Happy extended a wing in front of her.

“Oh, and Twilight? I wouldn't tempt fate,” he said. “What will happen while you are here has already been written. There is nothing you can do to change that.” Withdrawing his wing, Happy walked in front of Twilight and exited his office.

“You couldn’t go one encounter without being a weirdo, could you?” Twilight muttered as she left the office, beginning the trek back to her new abode.

A short walk later, Twilight arrived back at home. She stumbled through the front door and flopped onto the couch. “Oh, sweet Celestia,” she groaned. “I’ve never wanted to drink more than I have now.”

“Twilight, you know better than anypony else that you hate drinking,” Spike said as he shut the front door. “So, how was your time with Summer?”

“Well, the good news is that the food here is actually pretty good!” Twilight sat up. “The bad news is I feel I know barely any more about Happy than when I woke up!” She sighed. “So, he comes from a rich family, his parents died, he blames Celestia, he went to Starlight’s town, and then bam—” Twilight threw her legs into the air— “he was visited by Celestia’s mother and made this town!”

“Learn anything about Happy’s music?”

“Yeah, he sang one of his songs and… it was really bad,” Twilight said. “He said there was another that Candy plays the violin for, but she’s going to hold a party for us.”

Spike scratched the back of his neck. “Okay… well, I sent my letter to Celestia when I got home.”

“And?”

Spike frowned. “I haven’t gotten a response.”

Twilight facehoofed. “Did you send a letter asking her why she hadn’t responded?”

“I did that,” Spike replied. “I also sent a third asking why she hadn’t responded to that letter as you taught me to do.”

“Still nothing?”

Spike shook his head.

Twilight fell back onto the couch and covered her face with a pillow. “Is it too late to stage a coup d’état here?”

“Twilight, I thought I told you not to listen to Starlight’s ideas on how to solve political problems.” Spike walked over to couch and sat down in front of it. “Besides, Celestia’s looking into the issue and you’ve made friends with Summer. She seems nice enough.”

“Summer…” Twilight took the pillow off of her face and threw it onto the floor beside Spike. “Something about her rubs me the wrong way. She has the energy of Pinkie Pie, but acts like an even bigger child. It’s like she never aged past ten.”

Spike tilted his head up. “Still, at least you have someone here you can call a friend and talk to.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Spike, I swear if I say one wrong thing, she’s going to knock me out and tie me to a stake.”

“At least you can say she was your friend?” Spike asked with a sheepish grin.

“I’m sure she’d do the same to you,” Twilight deadpanned.

Spike lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Look, I know you want to do something, but I really don’t think you should,” he said. “Maybe that meetup at the park tonight will help ease your nerves.”

Twilight inhaled deeply. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right.”

Spike stood up and puffed his chest out. “Now, why don’t you go take a nap or something?” He took a step back as Twilight sat up and and got off the couch. “I’ll wake you up a little before nightfall so you can get ready.”

“Alright,” Twilight said. “Just be sure to wake me up if Celestia sends a letter, okay?”

Spike saluted Twilight, who giggled at the sight. “Understood,” he said in a vain attempt at sounding like a royal guardspony.

“Alright, my faithful guardian,” Twilight said as she made her way upstairs, a smirk on her face. She entered her bedroom and flopped onto her bed, staring at the wall for a few seconds. With a heavy sigh, she shut her eyes and, before she knew it, the world around went black, and the sweet release of sleep overtook her.

“Twilight, wake up.”

Twilight peacefully snored and rolled over onto her side.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Twilight!”

Twilight’s eyes cracked open as Spike shook her, slowly increasing in intensity. She groaned and swatted a hoof around. “W-what is… what is it?”

“Summer’s downstairs and I’ve been in here trying to wake you up for five minutes,” Spike deadpanned. “We have that party to go to, remember?”

“Ugh…” With a yawn, Twilight sat up and looked around, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room she had come to call her bedroom. “W-what time is it, Spike?”

“Eight,” Spike replied. “You’ve been asleep almost all day.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. She sat up, only to be stopped by Spike, who glared daggers at her.

“Before you get up,” he began, “please: play nice with Summer.”

“You’re telling me this why?” Twilight asked.

“Because Summer was nervous you’d be upset that she wanted to bring you to the party,” Spike replied. “She thinks you may find her annoying.”

Twilight felt her heart sink. She raised a hoof, only to quickly lower it, and hung her head. “Oh…” She sighed, burying her face in her hooves. “I’m sorry, Spike. I’ve been so stressed since we got here that I didn’t realize how I’d been treating her.”

Spike walked over and patted Twilight on the back. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad,” he said. “I just want you to be nicer to Summer so she doesn’t feel like you hate her.”

“Yeah.. alright, I’ll make sure.” Twilight got out of bed. Making her way downstairs and stopping at the foot of the stairway, her eyes rested on Summer, whose coat shined with a radiance met only by the sun that hung in the sky. Her mane was curled and a few sunflowers had been placed in it. Before she could open her mouth to speak, Summer ran over to Twilight and wrapped her hooves around her.

“Yay! You’re up!” she said. “Don’t worry, Spike explained everything and I was prepared to wait the entire night if I had to!” She pointed to a large bag at the side of the couch. “I brought food, games, water, and even a tent so I wouldn’t have to use one of your spare bedrooms!” She released Twilight from the constricting hug and bounced in place. “C’mon, we don’t have much time before the meetup begins!”

“Summer, I just got up,” Twilight mumbled. “How long is it until—”

“Like, right now.” Summer blushed and sheepishly giggled. “Sorry, I just don’t wanna be late. It’s really not fun missing out getting to play your friends and I’d hate for you to miss out on this!”

Twilight sighed as Spike walked up to her side. “Alright, Let’s go.”

“Yay!” Summer ran over to the door and opened it. “Let’s not waste any ti—” Summer froze, stepping aside after a few nudges from Twilight and Spike. “Oh, so sorry.” She stepped aside and pointed a hoof to the sky. “I just wanted you to see this!”

Twilight and Spike both walked outside and turned to the sky to see a sight all too familiar to them: the sun slowly descending, and eventually disappearing, over the horizon. A few seconds later, the moon rose where its bright, flaming, celestial sibling once was, and shined its pale light down onto the world below.

“Isn’t it horrible?” Summer asked. “How Celestia uses the souls of those she’s executed to change day to night and night to day?”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Twilight cringed as Summer’s expectant gaze broke her down. She shifted around, pawing at the ground, until a sigh escaped her and she continued. “Celestia… um…” Twilight gulped. “She had us—”

“She holds public ceremonies each time day shifts to night,” Spike interjected, flashing a smile to Twilight, who glared back at him. “We were forced to attend them and it was the scariest thing ever.”

“Oh, how terrible!” Summer gasped. “Well, let’s not waste any time!”

Twilight and Spike watched in disbelief as Summer raced off, turning back once she was at the sidewalk and beckoning for them to follow.

“Here I expected some holier-than-thou speech about how Celestia is a devil,” Twilight mused. “And for the record: I didn’t need your help.”

“Sure you didn’t,” Spike replied sardonically.

“I did not!”

“Okay.”

Twilight groaned as she and Spike reached Summer, who raced off down the street and began their journey to the park.

A very quiet journey.

A heavy silence fell over Twilight. Occasionally, she turned her eyes towards Summer to see her stare blankly ahead; seldom blinking and her breathing uncharacteristically steady. She inched closer to Spike, using her magic to pull him closer to her side.

“Is something wrong?” Summer asked, her gaze shifting.

“Oh, uh, no,” Twilight stammered. “Nothing’s wrong, just making sure Spike’s close to me.”

Summer shook her head and giggled as Twilight and Spike both stopped dead in their tracks. “Okie dokie!” she said. “Just wanted to make sure!”

“Yeah…” Twilight levitated Spike onto her back and resumed her stride. “So…” She cleared her throat. “What was your coltfriend like, Summer?”

“You really want to know?” Summer’s face lit up as she saw Twilight nod, a forced smile on her face. “Well…”

The sun as had set over the town of Appleloosa, the sweltering summer heat being replaced with the frigid night air of the desert. The sky above was lit up by the glow of a full moon; surrounded by hundreds of small, shining stars. Down below, seated near the edge of a cliff, two ponies gazed up at the heavens, their eyes glistening with awe.

“Ooh, what a pretty sight!” Summer wrapped her hooves around Green Horn, pulling him as close to her as possible. “You always show me the best things!”

Green Horn wrapped his hooves around Summer, a smile on his face. “How many times must I tell you?” he asked softly. “I only do what I think is best for you.”

Summer let out a soft giggle and broke the embrace, her eyes shimmering in the moonlight. “But why?” she asked. “You know how everypony in town thinks I’m annoying and a big burden.” She sighed, hanging her head in shame. “Nopony likes me and it’s not fair. I just try to be a good pony and I mess so much up.”

Green lifted Summer’s head up, smiling. “But you are a good pony,” he said. “The others in town don’t know what they’re talking about, and don’t know who they’re pushing aside because they judge without getting to know you.”

“T-they all say that stuff to me though,” Summer turned her head away, shutting her eyes and sniffling. “All of them!! All of the fillies at school did and they all do now!”

“But they aren’t—”

Summer spun around, tears streaming down her face. “How do I know you aren’t just saying that?”

“Because I’ve told you countless times that I love you,” Green said. “You know this. You can’t possibly think I’m lying.”

Summer pressed her muzzle up against Green’s and narrowed her bloodshot eyes. “Why should you be any different than everypony else I’ve known?”

“Because I’ve been with you for three years,” Green replied. “I’ve done everything I can to make you the happiest mare alive and I’ve stood by your side through every trial and tribulation you’ve faced. You can’t possibly think that I’ve faked everything I’ve done for you and every ounce of love I have for you.”

“Y-yes, I do!” Summer turned around and galloped off, racing down the cliff and running through the empty streets of Appleloosa until she arrived home. She barged through the door and ran upstairs, burying her face into her pillow. She let out several weak, barely audible cries, until she felt a hoof touch her back.

“Summer?”

Summer lifted her head up, revealing a large tear stain on her pillow. “Why are you here, Green?”

Green rolled his eyes and fell to his haunches. “Summer, you do this every month or so, and it’s frustrating. You always doubt that I love you and you always doubt that anyone will ever be your friend.” He grabbed a hold of one of Summer’s hooves and looked at her pleadingly. “What will it take for you to stop thinking that I don’t love you, or that I’m going to run off with some other mare?”

“I…” Summer rolled onto her back and stared up at her ceiling, her breathing shaky and inconsistent. “I want to run away from this place and find a nicer home.”

“Alright.”

Summer sat up and looked at Green, dumbfounded. “W-what?”

“I’ll do it,” Green said. “If it makes you happy, I’ll run away with you.”

“G-Green!” Summer stammered. “You can’t be serious!”

Green hopped up onto the bed and sat next to Summer. “Why? I don’t have anything of note here, and I doubt my parents will really care. Besides, they’re always telling me I need to get out of the house and make it on my own.”

“Y-yeah, but—”

Green put his hoof in Summer’s mouth, much to her annoyance. “Summer, it’s now or never.” He smirked and withdrew his hoof “So, which will it be?”

Summer remained still for several seconds before falling onto her back. She grabbed her pillow and placed it over her face, only to have it quickly yanked away by Green, who stared down at her, his smirk quickly being replaced by a look of concern. He lay next to her and ran a hoof up and down her face.

“S-stop,” Summer said, holding back tears. “I’m fine.”

“No, you aren’t,” Green deadpanned. “I only want—”

“I know.” Summer swiped Green’s hoof away and rubbed her eyes. “Look… if you’re serious about that offer—”

“I am.”

“Then… will you leave in the morning?” Summer’s face lit up like a fireworks show as she saw Green give a nod of approval. She sat up, a squeal of delight escaping her mouth. “Oh my gosh… I can’t believe it!”

“Neither can I,” Green pulled Summer back down onto the bed, chuckling. “Your mood sure changed fast.”

“Shut up,” Summer mumbled. “You do the same thing…”

“At least I don’t tell you to shut up.”

Summer bonked Green on his head. “You do so.”

“Hmph.” Green rustled Summer’s mane. “So, mind if I stay?”

Summer nodded repeatedly.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you, dear,” Summer replied. “Now c’mon, let’s get some sleep. We have a big trip ahead of us!” With a giggle, she shut her eyes, snuggling against Green as the serene feeling of sleep slowly overtook her.

“It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be with him forever,” Summer said. “So the next morning, we ran off and not long after, we found ourselves here.”

“How long ago was this?” Twilight asked.

“Nine years ago.” Summer let out a heavy sigh and stared at the ground. “He started to work with Happy eight years ago…” She perked her head up as she heard a few ponies say her name; the look of sadness being replaced with a look of pure, unbridled delight. “We’re here!”

Without hesitation, Summer darted off towards the park, leaving Twilight and Spike behind. The two looked at each other, exchanging looks of perplexion before heading towards the sound of joy, laughter, and chanting.

How to Save a Life

The town was alive with the sounds of laughter and unanimous joy. Wherever Twilight looked, she could see ponies dance the night away without a care in the world. Colts and fillies pranced around with little regard for their surroundings. Older ponies sat around tables, playing an array of board and card games. Off in the distance, the sound of music blared out from a pair of large speakers and through the air.

"Oh, I just love these parties!” Summer’s attention went from place to place repeatedly, not having the patience to stay in any one location for more than a few seconds, while her eyes filled with endless glee. “So, like, okay.” She turned to Twilight, her legs restlessly moving as her excitement continued to rise. “I have so many ponies I want you to meet and places I just need to show you!” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “So, who do you wanna meet first? O-or, better, where do you wanna go first!?” She gasped. “Or even better: do you wanna meet somepony at one of the places I wanna show you!?”

Twilight took a step back from Summer. “We just got here,” she said. “Don't you think—”

“Don't be a buzzkill!” Summer ruffled Twilight's mane. “You gotta cut loose and meet some ponies! Maybe you can learn about how they came to the town like I did!”

Twilight raised a hoof to object, only to stop as she remembered what Celestia had suggested. She lowered it and shook her head. “That’s a fantastic idea, Summer!” She scanned the area. She recognized several of the ponies from when she first arrived in town. One, however, caught her attention above the others. “Candy!”

Summer's attention snapped away. An enormous smile formed on her face and she galloped over to Candy, who was seated near a table with a glass of water on said table, that could be presumed to be hers. She ran up to her side and threw her hooves around her. “Oh my gosh, Candy! I've missed you!”

Candy mimicked her friends action, embracing her friend in a constricting hug. “Oh, by Happy's holy wings!” she said. “It’s been forever!

“You two haven't seen each other?” Twilight asked as she walked over, Spike slung over her back. “How long has it been since you both spoke to each other?”

“Six whole hours!” Candy said, a tear running down her face. “I-I can't believe it's been so long!”

Spike sat up from on Twilight's back. “They aren't being ironic, are they?” He rolled his eyes as Twilight shook her head ‘no’ and flopped back onto Twilight, hanging off her side. “What in Tartarus?”

After a few moments of hugging, Summer broke the embrace and sat down next to Candy. “So, Candy, Twilight here wants to learn about why some ponies moved to the town!” she said. “Mind telling her why you came here?”

Candy blushed. “Oh, well, you see.” She cleared her throat and sheepishly giggled. “I didn’t have any family to live with as they’d left for greener pastures thanks to impoverishment or were dead because they didn’t go and succumbed to disease or famine.” She sighed and cursed beneath her breath. “I was one of those that didn’t go and eventually had no family to go to who’d care about me on account of the ones that were alive were either at death’s doorstep or only looked out for themselves.”

Candy’s facial expression changed rapidly; alternating between a look of sorrow and insurmountable joy. After a few seconds, it settled on joy and she continued. “One day, when I was out looking for something to eat, which usually meant a two week old sandwich that was thrown out by some wannabe oligarch that was passing through to laugh at us peasants, I heard somepony making a speech.” Candy took a sip of water, her eyes watering up. “His words were divine. He spoke of retribution coming for those that had left my home city as it was and how the demons in Canterlot were the reason that I and everypony else was left scavenging for food every day; fighting to the death whenever we found a delicacy like moldy bread.”

Twilight levitated over a napkin to Candy, who grabbed it and wiped the tears off of her face. “T-thank you.” She sniffled. “Happy told us the paradise he wanted to make. He said he was visited by an archangel and that he’d been instructed to build a town that would be blessed to become Heaven on Equus.” Candy hung her head and shook it. “Nopony believed him. They just turned their backs to him and walked away. I remember several of them passing by me, calling him another charlatan who should be hung for his words. I didn’t, however. I saw him as the answer to the prayers I said every night before bed. A ticket out of the city. I approached him and asked him where this town would be.”

“In the land where the Solar Tyrant and her demons cannot see or find us.” There was a brief pause. “At least, not yet.”

Twilight and Spike turned around to see Happy, who walked over to the table and sat down on a chair. “Candy was one of the first ponies to ever break free of Celestia’s brainwashing and follow me,” he said. “It was terrifying and aggravating to see so many ponies ignore what I had to say because of what a sociopathic dictator had indoctrinated them with false messages and concepts of ‘friendship’ and ‘love’.”

“Yup, and now I understand that true friendship cannot be imposed onto us by malevolent rulers who see us as their playthings!” Candy bounced up and hugged Happy, who in turn wrapped a wing around her and nuzzled her. “Not a day goes by when I'm not thankful that he came to my town and gave a speech.”

Happy chuckled. “Candy, how many times must I remind you.” He withdrew his wing and put it beneath her chin, tilting her head up so she was looking him eye-to-eye. “It was all destined to happen.”

Candy gasped. “Yes, yes. How could I be so silly?” She blushed and looked at Twilight. “Predestination is such an amazing thing, is it not?” A frown slowly formed on her face as Twilight remained dead silent. “Do you… not agree?”

“I, uh, just don’t quite understand the concept,” Twilight said sheepishly. “Are we not all capable of doing as we wish to forge our own paths?”

Happy placed a hoof over Candy’s mouth. “I understand where you’re coming from, Twilight,” he said. “I used to think like you, but then I realized that everything has been set in stone since the day we’re born.”

“And how did you come to that realization?” Twilight asked, venom filling her voice. “Did the archangel tell you?”

“Well, it seems the indoctrination runs deep in this one,” Happy remarked. “Now normally, I’d have the angels drag you to the courthouse for being disrespectful, but since you’ve yet to break free of the fallacies spread by Celestia, I will pardon you for now. That said: no, though she did reinforce what I had come to believe by then.”

“Thanks…” Twilight said through gritted teeth. “And your realization?”

“Predestination,” Happy deadpanned, a bored look on his face. “Are there any other impromptu questions you wish to ask, or may I continue on mingling with the citizens of the town?”

Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat. “No,” she began, a hint of irritation in her voice. “I’m… sorry.”

“No need to apologize, Miss. Sparkle.” Happy got up and walked over to Twilight’s side, patting her on the head with one of his wings. “I understand that you have much integrating into our society to do. Don’t worry, we’ll all be here for you when you struggle to do so.” He turned Twilight’s head so she was facing him. “For now, why not go mingle with some of the residents and get to know them?”

“I was planning on doing just that.” Twilight stood up and motioned for Spike and Summer to follow her. “C’mon, let’s go.”

“Actually, I’d like to get to know your little friend a bit,” Happy said. “ If it’s okay with you that is. I’ve had so much time to speak with you that I’ve yet to get the chance to become acquainted with your draconian companion.”

Twilight turned around and craned her neck to the side. Spike gave her a look that screamed ‘please say no’. She frowned and shook her head. “I won’t leave Spike alone. I’m sorry.”

“Aw, that’s a shame,” Happy said, sorrowfully. “Since Spike came into town with you, I’ve been saving up a feast-sized serving of gems just for him.”

Twilight watched as Spike’s eyes grew. Drool seeped out of his mouth as thoughts of delectable gems of all sorts filled his little head. “Y-you know,” he began, “I think I’ll stay with you guys. I’m sure Twilight won’t mind.”

“I dunno.” Happy looked to Twilight. “Think you can let him stay with us just this once?”

Twilight sighed and nodded. “Just make sure he doesn’t go into a food coma.”

Happy let out a hearty laugh and waved a hoof nonchalantly. “Don’t worry, Miss. Sparkle. I’d never harm a hair—or scale—on any of my citizens.”

Turning back around, Twilight trotted off, scanning the various groups of ponies that joyfully chatted, laughed, and played. An assortment of drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, lined several tables. A couple of small booths had been set up, each containing a little game that some of the ponies played. For as far as she could see, the land that was a park just the day before had been transformed into a small fairground of sorts. Eventually, her gaze shifted from the world around her to a small table in front what was normally a restaurant. Sitting alone, with a small cup of water, was an earth pony mare with a peach-colored coat. She stared blankly at the cup, oblivious to Twilight as she approached her.

“Hi!” Twilight chirped. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?”

“Peppermint Spice,” the mare said, her voice meek and no higher than Fluttershy’s. She turned her head slightly, her stare boring its way into Twilight’s soul. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Yeah… mind if I take a seat with you?” Peppermint nodded, and Twilight walked around the table and sat across from her. “So, I recently, uh, moved here.”

“I’m aware. Summer’s told me how awesome and fantastic you are.” Peppermint took a sip of her water. “She always tells me how great newcomers are, but she’s been exceptionally ecstatic about you. She sees you as the center of her world.”

Twilight blushed. “Oh, really?”

Peppermint gave another nod. “So, what is it that you wish to know, Miss. Sparkle?”

“Well, you see, Happy wanted me to come and ‘mingle’ with the residents, so I wish to get acquainted with you all,” Twilight said. “I guess what I really want to know is your story. Like, how did you get here?”

Peppermint rolled her eyes. “I ended up here like any other pony you’ve spoken to,” she said. “I’m sure you’ve heard it before and I’m sure you’ll hear it many times after you’re done talking to me.” She stared Twilight in the eye, letting out a sigh after a few seconds. “Well, you see, my house burned down, my parents died when I was a foal in said fire, and I met Happy after twenty-seven years of being a drifter. He told me the cold, harsh truth: Celestia’s obliviousness to the conditions of Equestria’s cities had caused me to live like this. So, now, I live here. I’ve only been here for four months, but it’s refreshing to have a roof over my head.”

“And how exactly did you meet Happy?” Twilight inquired. “I’d love to know that part.”

“He visited my town and I heard him talking.” Peppermint groaned when Twilight gestured for her to continue. “Miss. Sparkle, while I know you wish to hear my story, I would rather not recount the time of my life that isn’t associated to my time here. I spend hours each night crying as I realize the gift that I was given by Happy. I’m thankful every waking second that I am here. It was continuous torture living on the streets of where I came from. The ponies were brutal and would frequently beat me if they saw that I had even the slightest bit of food. Those that didn’t beat me would frequently use me to get it. I refuse to recount anything that isn’t requested by Happy himself.”

“I understand.” Twilight stood up and bowed her head. “I’m sorry, Peppermint.”

“It's fine, Miss. Sparkle,” Peppermint replied. “Do have a good evening, and welcome to Happy Town.” She waved goodbye as Twilight walked away.

“Well, that could’ve gone better,” Twilight mused to herself. “No, I can’t be so harsh on myself. I wasn’t aware of her problems. I just have to make the best of what I did and make sure I’m more cautious with the next pony.” She scanned her surroundings until her eyes fell on a street lamp. Beneath it was a unicorn mare with a magenta coat. “Oh, she seems friendly enough.”

Twilight trotted over, waving a wing to the mare. “Quite the party, isn’t it?” She walked up to the mare’s side and casually looked out the crowds, which had only increased since she took the time to observe them.

“They’re usually like this, but yeah,” the mare replied. “You must be new here. You don’t look familiar.”

“That I am!” Twilight extended a hoof. “My name’s Twilight Sparkle. I recently moved her to escape the horrors that that, er, tyrant has wrought upon Equestria.”

“Yeah, that’s a new one.” The mare giggled and shook Twilight’s hoof. “My name’s Mystic Breeze. A pleasure to meet you, Twilight.”

“Well, thank you,” Twilight said. “If I may, I’m trying to learn the stories of how ponies here came to live here. Would you mind if I ask you what your story is?

“Not at all. You see, where I was from, ponies thought that I was a fraud; that my services were… laughable.” Mystic cursed beneath her breath; a look of frustration on her face. “They’d always say that I was but a crackpot who wanted to swindle ponies out of their hard earned bits. Even when I set up a shop at a fair for fun, they’d say that my ‘game’ was ‘a load of garbage’ because it was good old me.”

“I realized that if I was to ever have a life free of generalization and guilt by association, I had to find a place that would accept me for who I was and what I wished to do in my life, I had to flee. So, I did just that. In the middle of the night, I packed my things and ran off. I left no letter or trace that I’d been there. I lived alone, so it wasn’t like anypony was going to wonder where I’d gone.

“Life on the road was simple enough. Nowhere I went exactly screamed ‘home’ to me, so it was a bit demoralizing. I began to wonder if I’d made the right choice until I stumbled across a massive wall. Well, part of one anyway. It was still construction, but what had been made was jaw-dropping. It was like something out of Canterlot and it made my heart skip a beat. I stared for quite some time until a few ponies surrounded me, asking what business I had.

“I told them that I was looking for a new home, and I was immediately brought to Happy. He told me all about predestination and these ideas that resonated with me. He spoke of how this town was a place where everypony was accepted; how it was everything Celestia spoke and preached about, but how it was actually enacted upon. The torment that I suffered would never have been allowed to happen here. He told me that it was Celestia who was the root of my troubles; that her ignorance to what happens right under her nose was why he had taken it upon himself to bring salvation to the trouble stallions and mares; colts and fillies, and everypony else who suffers just as I have.

“For the first time since I was a foal, I truly felt like I had a home. I begged him to let me stay here and that I’d do whatever he wanted. I told him all about what the ponies of my old hometown had done and how they ridiculed me day in and night out for what I wished to do. He sympathized with me and showed me to the home I’ve lived in for eight years now.”

Twilight nodded. “And is that all?”

Mystic nodded back. “That’s my story.”

“I see. Thank you,” Twilight said, standing up. She stretched her wings and gave a soft smile. “I must be going now though. There are other ponies I must speak to.”

“I understand,” Mystic said. “Have a lovely evening, Twilight.”

Twilight walked off, once more returning to the lights and sounds of the party. “Okay, so that’s two testimonies that I’ve heard,” she said to herself, waving to a few ponies who waved to her. “I wish I’d asked how many ponies I should interview.” Twilight stopped and facehoofed, groaning. “Alright, I’ll interview one more pony and call it a night.” She looked around until her eyes landed on a colt sitting at a table with a glass of water near him. He perked his head up and motioned for Twilight, who trotted over and sat across from him.

“Name’s Star Chaser,” the colt said. “You’re the new mare, right? The one with that crazy deformity that legend says is a result of Celestia’s branding a troublemaker or something.”

“Yeah…” Twilight cleared her throat. “So, why’d you ask for me to come over?”

“‘Cause I figured you needed help,” Star replied. “You looked lost and since you’re new, I thought you were lost.”

Twilight’s cheeks turned a rosy red. She covered her face with a wing. “O-oh, no,” she said. “I’m actually in the process of asking ponies about how they got to the town. Would you like to tell me your story?

“Well, you see, Ms. Sparkle, I once aspired to be an astronomer.” Star narrowed his eyes. “That’s when they intruded. The irredeemable monsters that were my parents. They said that I had no reason to watch the sky; that it was all in the hands of that tyrant, Celestia. They said that because of her, my dreams were pointless and that I should follow in their footsteps.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What did they do for a living?”

“They worked at a bakery and made some of the lowest quality cakes that this planet has ever seen!” Star slammed a hoof down onto the table, his eyes filled with rage. “Then she died because they encouraged her to eat more and more and more! I watched as they fed her so much cake that she’d run to the bathroom to vomit! But when she’d return, she’d just get fed more!”

Twilight grimaced as Star’s rant settled within her mind. “W-well.” She pursed her lips, her eyes roving around aimlessly. “I, uh, must ask: why in the world did you not just call the authorities to report your parents for doing such heinous acts?”

The wrath in Star’s eyes quickly vanished, and an enormous smile took its place. He took a sip of water and clapped his hooves together. “Well, you see, that’s where Happy came into the picture. One day, about two years back, I was out at the park when I saw a small crowd gather near the center. There were even foals that went there. I got up and trotted over because I figured that some old stallion had a heart attack. It wasn’t uncommon for them to die there as there’s a legend that the park is haunted by the spirit of some adolescent edge lord who hated old ponies.” Star took another sip of water and stretched. “Naturally, however, it wasn’t. It was Happy, and he was preaching words that made my heart flutter like a butterfly.”

“He spoke of how the hardships of neighboring towns would soon enter our town if we did not do something about Celestia and her tyrannical policies; that we were destined to become another slum that would eventually rival Klugetown.” Star shivered. “That thought gave me nightmares, and it still does. I bet my town is on fire now.” He wiped a bead of sweat away from his forehead and continued. “Well, some in the crowd decided to go with him. I, however, had my family that wouldn’t let me. We argued for hours as I told them that, like it or not, I wasn’t leaving. My dad beat me and my mother forced me to eat three pies with extra sugar as punishment. I cried myself to sleep, but eventually snuck out and found Happy in the park. He saw my injuries and asked me what had happened to me.”

“I explained to him my homelife and the travesty that it was. I remember it so clearly. His face went from the bright, chipper look he normally sported to a look that I’ve not seen since that day. It was one of unfathomable rage. Like he’d just witnessed a pony rip apart a puppy. It was… terrifying. He grit his teeth and stared off towards the bakery; asking me if I wanted to follow him. I told him, ‘Yes, I want to escape this wretched place’.”

“So, you just left with him, right?” Twilight asked.

Star shook his head. “When I told him that, Happy reached into his bag and pulled out a few matches. He handed them to me and said, ‘The evil that has done this to you is a result of Celestia’s warped concept of friendship and love. Your life is a product of her and no one else. Do Equestria and her people a favor and eradicate what has done this to you’.” The wrath that had left Star’s eyes returned and took up occupance in them once more. “I nodded and told him that I would be back momentarily. I rushed back to the bakery and ran to the kitchen. Our house was on the second floor of it, so I knew that no matter what, they couldn’t get out easily.” A twisted smile formed on his face. “Now you see, Ms. Sparkle, my parents were huge fans of gas power. They saw it as the pinnacle of modern technology. I always told them that if they weren’t careful and didn’t keep up with maintenance, it could come back to haunt them. This was before we had to move twice because our houses blew up while we were on vacation.”

“The door to the basement was near the kitchen. I went down it and saw it. The motherload. The gas pipes. I went over to them and looked down at the matches. I threw them aside and bucked one of them loose. I could hear the gas seep out. It was exhilarating. I wanted to stay there and just bask in it. It was the smell of freedom. I galloped out and back over to Happy, who was waiting for me.” Star sighed. “He was disappointed to see me. He asked why I’d returned so quickly. I, naturally, told him that he would see when day broke. He wasn’t too pleased, but eventually conceded and said that if what was to be done was done by day that I could accompany him and the others back to his town.”

“We stayed up all night waiting. He said that if what I had done was to happen, we weren’t going to miss it. So, we sat out in the park. Neither of us spoke or moved. We just waited. I can’t how long it was, but it must’ve been five hours. Then the sun rose, and with it came a blinding light and an cataclysmically loud sound. It ripped through the air and tore apart everything around it. The bakery and neighboring buildings were obliterated when it was done. We heard the screams of ponies and the crying of foals.

“I smiled. I knew it was done. I never had to see them again. I imagined them. The screams of my parents as they were cooked like one of their wretched pies. I felt Happy pat me on the back. He said that what I had done was a service that left Equestria indebted to me. Then, he walked off. I stood there as ponies rushed outside. A few fell to their haunches as they watched the flames rise into the sky; the smoke succeeding it.

“I walked off behind Happy. For once, I felt joyful. I knew that my name would go down in history as a pony who made Equestria a better place. Ever since then, life’s been that much better for me. All thanks to Happy.”

An aura of silence befell the two ponies; Twilight taking advantage of it to stare at Star, slack jawed. “I-I.” She slowly stood up and swallowed a lump in throat. “I need to get going. I have a friend to meet.”

Star took a sip of water, casually waving a hoof. “See ya.”

Quickly, Twilight stood up and hastily walked off back into the fray that was the party. “O-okay,” she said to herself, her heart racing. “No matter, I’m sure that it was all a mistake and that Happy didn’t mean to manipulate the emotions of that young pony to make him kill his family.” She stopped dead in her tracks, sweat running down her head. “O-or maybe he did and I’m currently being held prisoner by a sociopathic cult leader who wants to sacrifice me to grant himself immortality so he can overthrow Celestia!” She shook her head and laughed. “Nah, that’s silly! I-I’m sure it was all just a mistake! Yeah, a mistake!”

Twilight shut her eyes and took in a deep breath. The sounds of endless cheer and unfathomable joy filled her mind, getting lost within the chaotic paranoia that had overtaken her mind. Ever so slowly though, the emotions dissipated and soon, she was lost in a sea of bliss

Everything will be okay, she thought. I'll notify Spike and he can alert Celestia. It'll all work out.

“Twilight!”

Twilight's eyes shot open. She turned around to see Summer running up to her. Oh man, I’ve never been happier to see you, she thought. “Oh, Summer! I was just looking for you!”

“You were?” Summer tilted her head. “You’ve been walking away from me for the past two minutes. I kept screaming your name and you never said anything.” She narrowed her eyes. “Say, are you feeling okay?”

“Oh, me?” Twilight nodded profusely. “Just been racing around town asking ponies about their stories!” She looked over Summer, raising an eyebrow. “Where’s Spike?”

“Oh, Happy brought him back to your house,” Summer replied. “He ate a lot of gems and gave himself a tummy ache. Don’t worry though, Happy performed one of his super duper cool miracles and soothed his pain.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“Yeah!” Summer bounced in front of the princess, a wild smile on her face. “So tell me: what did you think of the residents? Are their stories just so inspirational. Like, in the darkest and worstest of times, the heavenly light supplied by Happy guided them to this wonderful little town. He sure knows how to save a life!” She pressed her muzzle against Twilight’s and placed her hooves on her cheeks. “And that’s why they’re the most amazing stories ever!”

“Uh, yeah.” Twilight gently pushed Summer away. “They were truly something else.”

Summer’s ears dropped down, and her smile morphed into a frown. “You sound so unsure of what you’re saying,” she said. “Did you not enjoy them?”

Twilight shook her head violently, her eyes wild and her mane quickly becoming a fashion catastrophe. “I most certainly did, Summer!” Her right eye twitched furiously, and a strand of her mane popped over it. “You see, it’s just that I loved them so much, I just can’t put into words just how inspirational, and the fact that I can only hear just how unbelievably impressive is just unbearable to me!” She sighed. “I just wish I had the privilege to have had Happy come into my life and affect me in such a beautiful manner.”

Summer’s eyes had filled up with tears, which she wiped away. “F-forgive me, Twilight,” she said. “I hadn’t the faintest idea that Happy had grown to mean so much to you!” She trotted over and hugged Twilight, patting her on the back. “Oh, if I had known of this earlier, I never would’ve questioned if you had anything but grandiose thoughts of our residents testimonies!”

Well, she sure has the vocabulary when it comes to talking about Happy. Twilight returned the hug, staring blankly ahead. After a few seconds, she gently broke the hug and stared at the still-crying Summer, who wiped her tears away once more.

“S-so, I guess we should—” Summer sniffled and cleared her throat— “return back to your place, huh?”

“Yeah, I’m worried about Spike.” Twilight bolted ahead. Behind her, she could hear Summer yell in surprise through laughter before galloping up to her side.

“No fair, Twilight!”

Twilight giggled back. “That’s what you get for doubting what I had to say!”

Summer stuck her tongue out playfully. “Hmph. Not my fault your tone of voice isn’t like the norm here.”

“Well, let’s see if your ‘norm’ also applies to speed,” Twilight responded. “Last one to my house is a rotten egg!”

“You’re on!”

The two raced through the streets of the town; each one looking the exact same as the last. Empty and containing a dozen carbon copied houses. There wasn’t a speck of litter on the sidewalks, not a single flower on any of the lawns or window sills, and nary a crack to be seen to warrant a comment from either Twilight or Summer about breaking either of their mothers backs. In the still air, the only thing the two could hear was each other. Their hooves and their ever increasing breathing. That is, until they reached Twilight’s house.

“I—” Twilight gasped for air and fell to her haunches, letting out a playful laugh— “I win!”

“Nuh-uh” Summer fell to her haunches and shot a glare at Twilight. “I won!”

Twilight glared back, a smirk slowly forming on her face. After a few seconds, both mares broke out into fits of laughter; Summer falling onto her back and doubling over. “A-alright, fine,” Twilight. “I’ll let you have this one.” She playfully nudged Summer’s shoulder. “This time.”

“Yay!” Summer sprang up and bounced around for a few moments. “Oh, can I come inside for a glass of water? I’m so thirsty from all that running.”

“Alright.” Twilight walked up to the front door, which opened up as soon as she reached the doormat.

“Summer won, Twilight,” Spike deadpanned, a hand over his stomach. “By the way, the gems were all amazing.” He burped. “And spicy.”

“Woo!” Summer spun around. “First time I’ve ever won a race!”

“Well, congratulations.” Spike stepped aside as the two mares walked inside, only to burp once more.

Thud

Summer turned around, a curious look on her face. Her eyes widened, and the curious look rapidly morphed into one of horror. She watched Spike grab a letter that manifested from green fire. Her head snapped back and forth before she shoved Twilight and Spike through the front door, carefully shutting it behind her. “Y-you can't be doing that here!” Summer stammered. “Happy doesn't allow for that kind of magic to be practiced!”

“He doesn't allow for ponies to receive letters from the outside?” Twilight asked, a quizzical look on her face.

Summer shook her head. “He believes that anything from the outside is tainted by Celestia and her evil magics.” She extended a hoof and gestured for the letter. “Give me the letter and I'll go have it purified at our post office for you just this once.”

Twilight choked. “A-actually, we’ll, uh, burn it for you!” She walked up to Summer, laughing. “J-just don't tell Happy about this. It was an honest mistake a-and we didn't know!”

“Are you sure?” Summer asked. “I-I mean, I understand why you wouldn't want it. It could be propaganda or have some sort of poison in it, but it could also be from your parents!”

“Oh, what, them? Psh!” Twilight waved a hoof, narrowly missing Summer. “They've never sent me anything! They're so blinded by their loyalty to Celestia that they'd probably have me burned at a stake for daring to criticize the way that orphan tear-fueled mane of her’s flows!”

“It's fueled by orphan tears?” Summer scratched the back of her neck. “I always thought it was natural…”

That’s what you think is natural? Twilight held back the urge to groan. “Y-yeah, it’s definitely fueled by orphan tears.” She opened the front door with her magic. “Anyway, it’s getting late. Spike and I will go ahead and burn the letter and we can do all sorts of fun stuff tomorrow!”

Summer clapped her hooves together. “Okie dokie!” With a large smile, she trotted out the front door, which Twilight slammed shut and slumped down against.

Spike walked over to Twilight’s side. “Developed a close relationship with the door, huh?” He sat down next to her and snickered to himself. He unraveled the letter and handed it over to Twilight, who grabbed it with her magic.

Dear Twilight,

I sincerely apologize for the delay. It was far more difficult than I could have ever imagined to find where you and Spike were. As it turns out, the town you’re in an unexplored part of Equestria that’s home to many exotic wild animals, and is considered to be something of a national park. I never would have imagined anyone setting up shop there.

It is because of this detail that I shall be accompanying the royal guard to see for myself the full extent of the damage that this ‘Happy Townscolt’ has caused to the park, and to see what should be done of his town. We will be arriving in a few days. In the meantime, I wish for you and Spike to keep me informed on what happens between now and then.

From, Princess Celestia.